FilAm - Filipino American Community Ministry of Holy Family Contact the ministry leaders for information. Leader: Nela Cordero, 847-277-1740 or Co-leader: Norma Calalang, 847-885-0733 Josie Hanschmann, hanschmann@mchsi.com FilAm Community Ministry, filamohf@mchsi.com Join us for the following: Simbang Gabi Mass - December 19, 2009 Santacruzan/Flores de Mayo - May 2010

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SIMBANG GABI - A Filipino Tradition

December 19, 2009, Mass 6:00pm

Join us for our annual Filipino Advent mass! This special liturgical celebration starts at six and will be followed by a reception in the Social Center featuring Filipino food, entertainment, and music to dance by. Our very own Holy Family Simbang Gabi choir will sing Filipino and American liturgical songs and Christmas carols.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

What is Simbang Gabi?

Simbang Gabi is a Philippine tradition of celebrating a novena of Advent masses to heighten the preparation of the faithful for the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, and in honor of the Blessed Mother.

Although it is still within the Advent season, special permission has been granted to make Simbang Gabi a festivecelebration. This spiritual experience enables the faithful to joyfully anticipate the coming of the Messiah in their faith communities, home and hearts.

History of Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi is also known as "Misa de Gallo" and is one of the best loved and most signigicant traditions of Filipinos. Along with Holy Week and Easter, it is the higlight of liturgical life for the church in the Philippines. Traditionally, it takes place at dawn, 4-5am, starting on December 16th and ending with the Midnight Mass on December 24th.Simbang Gabi literally means "Mass in the Night" (because the liturgy takes place while it is still dark). "Misa de Gallo" is similar because the Mass takes place at dawn when the "gallo" or cock crows.

The Symbols of Simbang Gabi

There are several symbols connected with Simbang Gabi. The most popular is the Parol (star Lantern). The oldest Philippine symbol is the Belen (nativity set) which was introduced from the tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. The Belen was found mostly in churches and affluent homes; the Parol, everywhere.

The Parol represents the star of Bethelem. The Filipino could not have picked a better symbol to express two of their important messages: 2000 years ago, Joseph and Mary could not find a place for the baby's birth - today and every year, Parol is set out in the window to serve as the guidling light and sign for Joseph, Mary and Jesus to come in, for the household where it is displayed has accepted Jesus, that yes, they are a Christian family. But why the star? Aside from the story of the star of Bethlehem this kind of glow is important in the life of the rural Filipino whose darkness of the night was beautifully set for to life by the moon and the glitter of millions of stars. Stars produce the elements that make life possible and bring life to every person. To build a Parol all that is needed are long and short pieces of bamboo, string, paste and rice paper. Thus no home is without one during the Christmas season. The Christmas festivities atart on Christmas Eve, (Noche Buena) when families, friends, neighbors, visit with one another for lots of food, fun and good cheer. The celbration onctinues on to Christmas Day when children go from house to house to visit their elders, grandmothers and grandfathers, godmother, and godfathers, aunts, uncles, to "mano" (kiss their hands to receive blessing) and be presented with a small gift.The Simbang Gabi celebration in the United States of course has been altered to fit the "American lifestyle" but despite the differences, celebrating Simbang Gabi gives us the strong cultural connection with our home county, the Philippines.

Simbang Gabi in Chicago

Simbang Gabi in the Archdiocese of Chicago is celebrated in various participating parishes. The novena of masses begins on December 15 and culminates of December 23 in one parish where all the host parishes are expected to participate. The faithful who have been following the novena are encourage to return to their home parish for the Christmas Mass on the evening of December 24.

Through Simbang Gabi, the Church in Chicago hopes to offer the faithful a deepening of spiritual experience that leads to a more meaningful Christmas season. It is also hope that this celebration will faclitate better sharing of faith and culture in the local parishes, thereby strengthening fellowhip and family life in the community. The involvement of Filipinos and non-Filipinos in this experience is also expected to contribute to the development of leadership among the laity. This will also provide an opportunity for sharing and experiencing deverse religious expressions and cultural traditions.

Music by:
The Fil/Am Ministry of
Holy Family Catholic Community
Our warmest wishes to everyone!